School finance

Changes to the Academy Trust Handbook include a ban on paying cyber ransom demands, and educational performance is no longer grounds for issuing a Notice to Improve.

Changes to the Academy Trust Handbook include a stronger focus on inclusion and new expectations for trustee financial training and CFO qualifications. Tighter controls on procurement, executive pay and severance payments are also introduced.

Be clear on how the Department for Education (DfE) will work with trusts to identify any financial issues, put support in place and take action if there are concerns.

Find a selection of the grants available to schools across a range of areas, and details of freebies your school can access. Also learn about cost-of-living support available for your school and community.

Learn how to help your school generate income and find some potential solutions for raising much-needed funds.

Whether you're a member of the finance committee or not, know what questions to ask about different areas of the budget at whichever stage it comes to you for approval.

Get an idea of what your budget approval process might look like, so you're clear on when you're involved and what you need to do.

Find out how to manage conflicts of interest if you’re buying a governor's or trustee's goods or services. If you're an academy trust, understand the rules around managing related party transactions.

Devolved formula capital (DFC) is a source of capital funding for maintained schools and academies. Learn how it's allocated and the rules your school needs to follow when spending it.

Read our 1-page summary of how free school meals work in schools and its significance for attracting disadvantage funding. Download a copy to share with your governing board.

Understand how provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) is funded in your school.